Examination of family functions and coping strategies with family stressors in alcohol addiction: A mixed model research

It was aimed to examine to describe the disease process experienced by alcohol addicts and their spouses, to see whether family functioning and methods of coping with family stressors differ according to sociodemographic characteristics and participation in a self-help group with the family, whether the sub-dimensions of the "Family Stressors Coping Strategies Scale (FSCSS)" predict the sub-dimensions of the "Family Assessment Device (FAD)" and to understand the opinions of alcohol addicts and their spouses on these issues. For this purpose, a mixed research model was used. The research consists of six working groups determined in the context of this aim. In the quantitative dimension of the research, 109 people, 50 of whom were couples were reached, and in the qualitative dimension, a total of 33 people, 15 of whom were couples, were reached. While collecting data, quantitative research data were obtained from alcohol addicts and their spouses by using the FSCSS and FAD. The qualitative data of the research was collected through two different data collection processes. Interviews were performed in three different addiction treatment institutions and two different branches of the Alcoholics Anonymous self- help group, using a semi-structured interview form prepared by the researcher. Participant observation data were obtained from an addiction treatment institution and Alcoholics Anonymous self-help group for approximately eighteen months. Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis and Multiple Regression analyzes were used in the analysis of quantitative data; content analysis method was used in the analysis of qualitative data. In line with the quantitative and qualitative findings; it has been found that family functions and methods of coping with family stressors vary according to sociodemographic characteristics and whether or not they participate in a self-help group with the family. It was determined that the sub-dimensions of FSCSS predicted six of the sub-dimensions of FAD. In addition, it has been observed that family of origin, individual, nuclear family, environmental and social elements have an impact on family functions and methods of coping with family stressors. In line with the participants' narratives, it can be said that biopsychosocial and spiritual support is required during the disease process. At this point, the family functions of alcohol addicts and their spouses and their methods of coping with family stressors were evaluated and the results were presented as conclusions and suggestions in the context of family-oriented social service.